The Edo State Government has described the recent bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre as a serious wake-up call for parents, teachers and school administrators across the country.
The reaction follows a viral video circulating on social media showing two male students assaulting a fellow student within the premises of the school in Edo State. The disturbing footage triggered widespread outrage and renewed conversations about discipline and student safety in Nigerian schools.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, expressed concern over the incident, stressing that institutions of learning must maintain strict ethical and disciplinary standards.
“It is a wake-up call to parents and also teachers because one would expect that an educational centre like this should naturally have its own code of ethics in terms of discipline, monitoring and internal vigilance over its students,” Afegbua said.
He added that the incident might never have come to public attention if the video had not been recorded and shared.
“But for the fact that one of them recorded the video and sent it out, perhaps no one would have known such a thing happened,” he stated.
The viral clip shows two students beating and kicking another student who was lying helplessly on the ground. One of the attackers was seen dragging the victim by his school suit while repeatedly stomping on his chest as the boy cried in pain. A third student who recorded the incident could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop.
The graphic nature of the video sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians calling for strict disciplinary action and stronger anti-bullying measures in schools.
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In response, the management of Igbinedion Education Centre reportedly took immediate disciplinary steps. According to a statement from the Edo State Police Command, the students directly involved in the assault have been expelled from the school, while the student who recorded the video has been suspended.
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikioedem, also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry, while authorities have assured the public that anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in line with existing laws and in consideration of their ages.
“The Edo State Police Command totally condemns acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation among students, and anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The incident has intensified national conversations about bullying in Nigerian schools, with stakeholders calling for stronger monitoring systems, improved counselling services and stricter enforcement of school disciplinary policies to protect students and ensure safe learning environments.